Bystander helps end police chase

A Columbia man was arrested yesterday after allegedly running from police only to be thrown to the ground by a concerned resident and taken into custody, Columbia Police Detective Jeff Westbrook said.

Derrick Anthony Young, 21, of 202 Phyllis Ave., was arrested yesterday on suspicion of distributing marijuana, operating a motor vehicle in a careless manner, resisting arrest and unlawful use of a weapon. Yesterday, an officer tried to pull over two people in a car that was being driven recklessly on the Business Loop, Westbrook said. The driver refused to pull over and hit a curb after turning onto West Boulevard, he said. The driver and the passenger jumped out and ran, Westbrook said.

A bystander saw the officer chasing the man and grabbed the suspect, tossing him to the ground, Westbrook said. The officer then arrested Young, and the bystander pointed out that someone had thrown a clear baggie with marijuana to the ground. Another officer found the passenger of the car, Joe Leonard Riley, 19, 800 N. Sixth St. After searching the car, the officers found three other baggies of marijuana and a loaded handgun, Westbrook said. Young also had $620 on him, Westbrook said.

Riley was arrested on suspicion of unlawful use of a weapon, distribution of marijuana and resisting arrest.

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